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October 04, 2006

Voters Ask Why Lewis "Snubbed" Them at AARP Candidate Forum

Colonel Weaver Asks Voters to Consider an Individual's Values and not Political Affiliation(Elizabethtown, KY October 4, 2006) – Last night, Colonel Mike Weaver answered questions submitted by voters during a forum organized by the AARP held at Performing Arts Center in Elizabethtown. This forum is the fourth consecutive appearance to which both candidates for the 2nd District Congressional Seat were invited that the incumbent Congressman declined. His absence prompted a voter to submit a question that asked "Where's Ron?" and more directly to Colonel Weaver, "If you are elected, will you continue to be accessible or will you snub us like Ron has tonight?"

Before the forum, the AARP compiled a voter guide that showed where the organization stood on the issues in comparison to the candidates. Distributed at the forum, the guide showed that Colonel Mike Weaver's stances mirror those of the AARP while Congressman Lewis declined to submit the questionnaire. "Congressman Lewis must have something to hide from the retired population," Colonel Weaver said in response to the absence. "Not appearing at the forum is one thing but to not even submit the questionnaire that gives voters a clear guide on where you stand on the issues, especially for an organization as reputable as the AARP, shows a real disrespect for the whole democratic process."Although the majority of the forum focused on issues most pertinent to retired people, a wide variety of issues arose from the audience. When asked if he was in favor of raising the minimum wage, Colonel Weaver indicated that he believed it was impossible for two working parents to raise a family on $5.15 an hour.In another line of questioning, Weaver stated that he is not in favor of school vouchers because "they would destroy both public and private schools." Reflecting on discussions with his wife, a former school-teacher at a Catholic School, Weaver said that "tying private schools to public funds would not only require private schools to make accommodations that they are unable to make without compromising the quality of their program but whole also take money out of the public schools where it's needed most."In his closing statement, Colonel Weaver asked for voters to consider the individual and not the political party when casting their vote."As the past few days have demonstrated, there are people in both parties that lack integrity. It's not political parties that uphold values, it's individuals that uphold values. I ask you to look at this individual and decide if Mike Weaver has values that you agree with. If he does, send him, the individual, to Congress. "